Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite or Pest Damage in Myrtle Beach?

By Brad Davis, CIC (September 20, 2025)

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Introduction

Living in Myrtle Beach has plenty of perks — ocean views, warm weather, and year-round outdoor living. But along with the sunshine and sea breeze comes a challenge many homeowners know too well: termites and pests. These tiny invaders can cause major damage to homes along the South Carolina coast.

One of the most common questions we hear at Davis Insurance Associates is: “Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?” The short answer is no — but there are important details and local considerations every Myrtle Beach homeowner should understand.

In this post, we’ll break down how standard home insurance handles termite and pest damage, what protections you can put in place, and why this issue is especially critical in coastal South Carolina.

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Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies exclude damage caused by termites, insects, and other pests. Why? Because insurers classify these risks as preventable maintenance issues rather than sudden and accidental losses.

For example:

• A tree limb falling through your roof during a storm is sudden and covered.

• A termite colony eating away at your floor joists over years is gradual and excluded.

That doesn’t mean you’re left without options — but it does mean that relying solely on your home insurance for pest damage isn’t a safe bet.

*READ YOUR POLICY.

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Why Termites Are a Big Deal in Myrtle Beach

South Carolina’s warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for termites — especially subterranean termites, which are highly destructive. Myrtle Beach homeowners face elevated risk because:

• Moisture: High humidity and rainfall contribute to damp wood, attracting termites.

• Wood-framed homes: Many homes in the area use wood construction or siding.

• Vacation rentals & second homes: Seasonal occupancy means infestations often go unnoticed longer.

• Coastal environment: Salt air and storm exposure can weaken homes, making them more vulnerable.

In fact, termites cause billions of dollars in damage annually in the U.S. — and Myrtle Beach is considered a hotspot region.

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What Is a Termite Bond?

Because insurance won’t cover termite damage, many Myrtle Beach homeowners turn to termite bonds (sometimes required during real estate closings).

A termite bond is a contract with a licensed pest control company that:

• Provides regular inspections.

• Covers treatment if termites are found.

• Sometimes includes limited repair coverage for damage.

It’s not the same as insurance, but it’s often the best way to financially protect your home against termites in coastal South Carolina.

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Other Pest Damage Exclusions

It’s not just termites. Standard homeowners policies also exclude damage from:

• Rodents (rats, squirrels, mice).

• Insects (carpenter ants, beetles, bedbugs).

• Birds or vermin.

The reasoning is the same — these are considered preventable through maintenance.

*READ YOUR POLICY.

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What Insurance Might Cover

While pest infestations themselves are excluded, secondary damage may sometimes be covered. For example:

• If termites chew through wiring and it sparks a fire, the resulting fire damage is likely covered.

• If pests damage plumbing and cause sudden water damage, the water damage portion may be covered (but not fixing the infestation itself).

This is where having an experienced independent agent matters — understanding the fine print can save you from costly surprises.

*READ YOUR POLICY.

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Protecting Your Myrtle Beach Home from Termites

Since insurance won’t cover termites directly, prevention is key. Here are proactive steps Myrtle Beach homeowners can take:

1. Schedule annual inspections with a local pest control company.

2. Maintain a termite bond for long-term monitoring and treatment.

3. Reduce wood-to-ground contact (keep decks, crawlspaces, and siding clear).

4. Control moisture with proper ventilation and dehumidifiers in crawlspaces.

5. Act quickly at the first sign of damage — sagging floors, hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes.

Taking these steps can not only protect your home but also help maintain eligibility for competitive insurance rates.

*WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED TERMITE OR PEST CONTROL COMPANY.

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Myrtle Beach Angle: Local Example

It’s not uncommon for coastal homeowners to buy a vacation property here, only to discover termite damage during renovations — and learn too late that insurance won’t pay for repairs.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we often remind clients that while insurance is essential, it can’t replace ongoing home maintenance in Myrtle Beach’s coastal environment.

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Conclusion

To sum it up:

• Home insurance does not cover termite or pest damage.

• Myrtle Beach homeowners face higher risk due to climate, wood construction, and seasonal homes.

• Termite bonds and prevention are the best protection strategies.

If you’re buying or maintaining a home in Myrtle Beach, make sure you know where your insurance coverage ends and where pest protection needs to begin.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we’re here to walk you through the details of your homeowners policy — so there are no surprises when you need it most.

👉 Have questions about protecting your Myrtle Beach home? Contact us at (843) 213-0000 or visit thinkdavisinsurance.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace or override your actual insurance policy; always review your policy documents for specific terms, conditions, and exclusions.